Israel Intercepts Freedom Flotilla Coalition Vessels En Route to Gaza
The Israeli military intercepted several boats from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition sailing toward Gaza, seizing the main vessel Conscience with 93 people aboard, including journalists and doctors, and detaining passengers in undisclosed conditions.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) reported that Israeli forces attacked and seized multiple boats from its convoy as they made their way toward Gaza.
According to the group, the main ship — The Conscience — carrying 93 journalists, medical workers, and activists, was struck first before three smaller boats were also intercepted on Wednesday. The passengers are now being held “in unknown conditions,” the FFC said.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on X that a raid had occurred, describing it as “another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone.” The ministry stated that all passengers were “safe and in good health” and would soon be deported after being transferred to an Israeli port.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the interception “in the strongest terms,” demanding the release of Malaysian citizens participating in the flotilla.
Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry said that Turkish citizens and lawmakers were among those on board, calling Israel’s actions “a grave violation of international law” and “an act of piracy.”
Germany’s left-wing party MERA25 said one of its members, activist Amira Zayed, had been detained and expressed deep concern for her safety. Irish, French, and Danish nationals were also reportedly among those captured.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition — a global network of pro-Palestinian groups organizing civilian sea missions — said the convoy carried “vital aid” worth over $110,000, including medicines, respiratory devices, and nutritional supplies for Gaza’s struggling hospitals.
“The Israeli military has no legal authority in international waters,” the group said on Instagram, adding that the flotilla “posed no threat.”
This marks the second interception in recent days. Earlier, Israeli forces stopped around 40 boats and detained more than 450 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, another mission aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Among those later deported was Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Several of the detained activists from that earlier flotilla have reported physical and psychological mistreatment. French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan said she was “beaten” by Israeli police, while U.S. activist David Adler described being “stripped,” “zip-tied,” “blindfolded,” and photographed alongside Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir during his detention.